Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT)vsFastenal Company (FAST)
AIT
Applied Industrial Technologies
$315.29
+0.52%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $11.83B
FAST
Fastenal Company
$46.12
+1.45%
INDUSTRIALS · Cap: $52.87B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
Fastenal Company generates 74% more annual revenue ($8.44B vs $4.84B). FAST leads profitability with a 15.4% profit margin vs 8.3%. AIT appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 2.74. FAST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 62/100 (C+).
AIT
Buy51
out of 100
Grade: C-
FAST
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Intrinsic value data unavailable for AIT.
Margin of Safety
+55.6%
Fair Value
$103.39
Current Price
$46.12
$57.27 discount
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Every $100 of equity generates 22 in profit
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Every $100 of equity generates 33 in profit
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Large-cap with strong market position
Conservative balance sheet, low leverage
Strong operational efficiency at 20.3%
Areas to Watch
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
3.1% earnings growth
Weak financial health signals
Expensive relative to growth rate
Trading at 13.3x book value
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AIT
The strongest argument for AIT centers on Altman Z-Score, Return on Equity, Debt/Equity.
Bull Case : FAST
The strongest argument for FAST centers on Return on Equity, Altman Z-Score, Market Cap. Profitability is solid with margins at 15.4% and operating margin at 20.3%. Revenue growth of 12.4% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AIT
The primary concerns for AIT are P/E Ratio, EPS Growth, Piotroski F-Score.
Bear Case : FAST
The primary concerns for FAST are Price/Book, PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 40.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AIT profiles as a value stock while FAST is a mature play — different risk/reward profiles.
AIT carries more volatility with a beta of 0.85 — expect wider price swings.
FAST is growing revenue faster at 12.4% — sustainability is the question.
FAST generates stronger free cash flow (320M), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
FAST scores higher overall (62/100 vs 51/100), backed by strong 15.4% margins and 12.4% revenue growth. Both earn "Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
Applied Industrial Technologies
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. distributes industrial products in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Visit Website →Fastenal Company
INDUSTRIALS · INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION · USA
Fastenal Company is an American company based in Winona, Minnesota. Fastenal's service model centers on approximately 3,200 in-market locations, each providing custom inventory, and a dedicated sales team to support local businesses. Fastenal offers companies supply chain solutions that help business reduce inventory touches, and supply chain waste.
Visit Website →Compare with Other INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION Stocks
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